Steel Panther frontman Michael Starr recently opened up about an uncomfortable encounter he had while boarding a flight, sharing the story during an interview with The Pick. The moment reflects how rock musicians can still face judgment—even in the most unexpected places.

“It resonated with me because I remember I was boarding a plane in Burbank to fly to Vegas to do show, and getting on the plane. I got my hair down and I’m wearing my rock jewelry and sh*t,” Starr recalled. “And these guys that are all, like, preppy, they’re like, ‘Oh, dude, look at the butt rocker. What’s up, Bon Jovi?’ I got that. These guys checking on me like that on the plane.”

The incident connects directly to a joke made by comedian Sarah Silverman, who once coined the term “butt rocker” to describe aging glam metal fans—a comment that clearly stuck with Starr.

For a frontman known for embracing over-the-top glam metal aesthetics, Starr’s story highlights the ongoing cultural divide between traditional rock and mainstream expectations. Even now, decades into his career, he’s still pushing against stereotypes and snap judgments.

This moment is more than just a casual jab; it represents the unique position Michael Starr—and Steel Panther—hold in today’s rock landscape. While their act may be comedic, encounters like this show that being a rock star in 2025 still comes with its own set of challenges.